Casino talks to resume in Middleboro
By Alice C. Elwell
Enterprise Correspondent
Posted Apr 20, 2010 @ 07:49 PM
MIDDLEBORO —
The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is planning to renew discussion with the town on a proposed $1 billion resort casino.
Attorneys for both parties plan to meet today. Middleboro selectman Alfred P. Rullo said the tribe either wants to renegotiate its deal with the town or cancel it altogether – a move he said would result in litigation.
Cedric Cromwell, the tribal council’s chairman, declined comment.
In a letter to town officials sent earlier this month and made public today, Cromwell said the tribe is “in a position to speak with the town to discuss the tribe’s gaming plans.”
That letter came in response to the selectmen’s request in February for clarification on the tribe’s intentions. Middleboro officials have wondered about the tribe’s intentions since learning that its leaders had discussed similar plans with officials in Fall River.
But those talks appear to have produced few if any results, as Fall River is now considering a partnership with the Aquinnah tribe of Martha’s Vineyard.
Middleboro residents could know what is in the works as early as tomorrow during the selectmen’s meeting.
“I hope we can discuss it in open meeting,” Rullo said.
Townspeople voted overwhelmingly to host the casino in July 2007. Approximately 3,700 residents attended the historic outdoor town meeting.
Copyright 2010 The Patriot Ledger.
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